Faculty Contract Talks: More Optimism - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

There is new information about the talks to avoid a faculty strike at Edinboro and the other state owned universities. And it is a reason for optimism.

 The two sides have been trying to hammer out a deal for the past two years.

 Both sides reported progress at the last session on Friday. We've learned the state took it's proposal for freezing salaries of part-time faculty off the table. The faculty says that is a positive sign, going into the next bargaining session on Friday.

 Edinboro Faculty Union Vice-President Mike Bucell said, "We are hopeful, and cautiously optimistic. There is incentive on the PASSHE's part to bring these negotiations to a conclusion and soon."

The big stumbling block remain is health care costs.